International prize-winning ploughing expert Hugh Barry Barr is to receive an MBE.

At age 89, his is the oldest recipient of an honour on the Northern Irish list (the youngest being 45-year-old Sue-Ann Steen).

Co Londonderry man Mr Barr won the World Ploughing Contest three times. On October 12, 1956, the News Letter reported: “Win or lose, the 1956 contest marks the retirement from competition work of Hugh Barr, outright winner of 22 cups in his 15 years’ ploughing experience, and winner of the world title for thelast two years.

“He finds he cannot spare the time away from his 180-acre farm which competitions demand.”

He has also been involved with the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association, which is set to host the 72nd instalment of the International Ploughing Championships at the Maze in October.